31
Jan
2025
DES MOINES, IOWA (January 31, 2025) — Governor Kim Reynolds has introduced legislation to build on Iowa’s energy leadership and ensure Iowa is well-positioned to support increasing energy demand while keeping electricity prices low and the grid strong.
Under Gov Reynolds, Iowa ranks first in the US for electricity produced by renewable generation (64.3%). The state also ranks in the top ten for power grid reliability, while maintaining some of the lowest electricity prices in the country for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers.
Gov Reynolds’ bill proposes:
- Establishing a flexible rates tool to help electric utility companies attract new, large energy-using customers to Iowa;
- Modernizing the existing Energy Infrastructure Revolving Loan Program to allow businesses, municipalities, and port authorities to access low-interest loans for critical energy and water-related infrastructure projects tied to economic development;
- Ensuring rate-regulated electric utilities file a non-contested integrated resource plan with the IUC once every five years;
- Expanding eligibility requirements for advanced ratemaking proceedings to encourage all-of-the-above energy solutions and technologies;
- Creating a partnership between IUC and Iowa State University to conduct transparent, independent load forecasting and energy assessments for electric infrastructure planning;
- Giving clear authority to the Iowa DNR to permit on-farm and near-farm anaerobic digesters to further support Iowa’s bioeconomy;
- Adding economic development as a factor of consideration during the Iowa Utilities Commission contract review process related to agreements between electric utility-service providers; and
- Granting incumbent utilities the right of first refusal on new electric transmission line infrastructure projects and requiring land restoration standards to protect landowners’ property during construction and maintenance.
